Lets Have This Conversation

Has civility and empathy been eroded from American politicstoday? With so many people taking divided and fractured stands when it comes tothe state of the government. Well, if you take a deeper dive into the numbers,they will tell a compelling and interesting story. According to Gallup News, Arecord-high 80% of U.S. adults believe Americans are greatly divided on themost important values, while 18% believe the country is united. The percentageseeing the nation as divided has ticked up from 77% the last time Gallup askedthe question in 2016. It is more than 10 percentage points higher than in the prior2004 and 2012 measures.

Public skepticism about national unity isn’t new. Surveys byGallup and others dating back to the 1990s show that Americans typically haveseen the country as divided on key values. Only in 2001 and 2002, in theaftermath of 9/11, did Gallup find most Americans perceiving the opposite, withover two-thirds of U.S. adults believing the nation was united. For someinsightful answers regarding the current state of play in American politics today,I enlisted the expertise of Brent Giannotta. 

Brent was a CIA counterterrorism analyst from 2010 to 2015,tracking ISIS foreign fighters, external operations, and extremist psychology.After resigning, he became an award-winning journalist and ghostwrote op-edsfor political figures published in the Washington Post and Foreign PolicyMagazine. He then transitioned to mental health, joining a psychiatric crisisresponse team and counseling callers to the 988-suicide crisis hotline. He leftthose jobs in 2024 when he was invited to join the 2024 Harris-Walz campaign inPittsburgh.

Born and raised in Los Angeles and educated in internationalrelations, Spanish, and Arabic at the University of Southern California, Brentwon a Rotary scholarship to study Middle East studies at the AmericanUniversity in Cairo, Egypt. He's worked in Congress, edited reports for HumanRights Watch, worked on AOC's first campaign, has published op-eds in the LATimes, and guest lectured at USC, UCLA, and Harvard Extension School. Brent nowlives in Las Vegas, where he authors the Substack newsletter, Sleeping Giant.

 Subscribe: https://brentgiannotta.substack.com/

Follow: @BrentGiannotta

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 4 adults (28.7percent) in the United States, or 70 million people, have some type ofdisability. 12.2 percent of U.S. adults have a mobility disability, whichincludes serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Devon Wieters is acollege graduate, writer, and podcaster who just happens to have cerebralpalsy. She is passionate about creating a better world for all! Additionally,she is a fierce advocate for the passage of the SSI Restoration Act, whichwould eliminate the Social Security/Medicaid “marriage penalty,” and the SSISavings Penalty Elimination Act, which would raise the salary and asset limitsfor Social Security and Medicaid. These changes would allow people withdisabilities to work and marry without losing vital disability benefits. She isalso advocating for a man named Crosley Green to be released from prison, whomshe believes was wrongfully convicted of murder in Florida in 1990.Furthermore, Devon is a super fan of the TV show Survivor and loves analyzing thestrategy of the game with the fan community. In fact, she learned interviewtechniques from watching host Jeff Probst!

For more information: https://wheelwithit.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mental health is a crucial aspectof cognitive and emotional stability, enabling individuals to navigate theworld with clarity and awareness.

National Mental Health AwarenessMonth, observed in May, seeks to increase understanding of mental healthissues, reduce stigma, and promote awareness of mental health conditions. Thismonth presents an opportunity to educate the general populace regarding mentalhealth, dismantle obstacles to seeking assistance, and advocate for enhancedsupport and resources.

Mental illness is prevalent; lastyear witnessed a higher incidence of mental disorders compared to illnessessuch as stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy combined.

Recent statistics from the DistrictHealth Council (1996) indicate that approximately 62,000 individuals in Windsorand Essex County are contending with mental health challenges. The CanadianMental Health Association (CMHA) provides a comprehensive array of services tosupport nearly all residents in our area. They offer specialized services forthose affected by severe mental illnesses, support for individuals facinglife's difficulties, and educational programs targeting the public.

Kim Wills, Director ofCommunications & Mental Health Promotion for the CMHA of Windsor-Essex,engaged in a thorough discussion with me this week about the state of mentalhealth across Canada, including local concerns in Windsor and Essex.

She shared insights on enhancingand expanding the quality of resources available to individuals in need,ensuring broader access to essential support.

For more information: https://windsoressex.cmha.ca

Follow: @cmhawecb

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Consumer confidence serves as a vital statistical measurethat reflects how consumers feel about both current and anticipated economicconditions. It acts as a key indicator of the overall health of the economy.Recent data has shown a troubling decline in consumer confidence, a trend thatcould have significant ramifications for entrepreneurs.

In April, the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Indexplummeted to its lowest level in five years, a stark indication of shiftingsentiments among consumers. Adding to this concerning picture, a recent surveyfrom The Associated Press-NORC Center revealed that nearly half of Americansare apprehensive about the prospect of a recession, highlighting widespreadanxiety about the economic landscape.

Colin Walsh, who has successfully built and sold beautycompanies valued over half a billion dollars—most notably the sale of OUAI toProcter & Gamble—has navigated numerous challenges associated with scalingbusinesses while striving to maintain balance and fulfillment. His extensiveexperiences have greatly shaped his strategic approach at Procter &Gamble’s Specialty Beauty division and are also central to his innovative newventure, YayDay.

In our recent conversation, Colin delved into varioustopics, including business leadership, the intricacies of entrepreneurship, andthe crucial timing for scaling a business.

For more information:  please visit: https://www.myyayday.com/ à

 If you wish toconnect, with Colin  feel free to reachout via email at [email protected] or follow along on Instagram [email protected].

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. construction industry plays a vital role in theAmerican economy, contributing approximately 4.5% to the GDP. It employs about8.2 million people and generates roughly $2.2 trillion in constructionannually. As a leading economic indicator, the industry often signals changesin the overall economic landscape, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

I’m Zach Friedensohn, and I am not your typical generalcontractor. Since 2013, I have been deeply involved in the constructionindustry, blending hands-on experience with a business-oriented approach. Afterearning my degree in business and real estate from the University of NorthTexas, I dove headfirst into the industry, managing subcontractors on largecapital projects while often getting directly involved in the work myself. Thishands-on experience has shaped my leadership style and my approach to operatinga construction company.

In 2019, I co-founded my first construction firm and gainedfirsthand insight into what it takes to build a successful business in ademanding industry. This journey led me to establish G&R Construction, adesign-build firm that specializes in commercial projects throughout theAtlanta area. Our work spans a variety of projects, from full-scale renovationsto ground-up developments, including Redan Plaza, the Ryder Training Center,and several mixed-use developments.

One crucial lesson I’ve learned is that constructioninvolves much more than just building—it encompasses leadership, communication,and trust. At G&R Construction, I have made it my mission to redefineclient expectations for contractors. Our emphasis on reliability, transparency,and a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach sets us apart in an industry oftenlacking these qualities.

I run one of the fastest-growing general contractingcompanies in the Southeast, with over $3 million in booked projects thisyear—and we’re just getting started. Our team of five is rapidly expanding aswe take on more commercial projects and scale G&R Construction.

For more information: https://www.g-rconstruction.com/

Email: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. Department of Education allocates funds to states,which then distribute the money to local school districts. These districts mustjustify their actions to state authorities to receive funding.

This funding impacts resources and training for specialeducation teachers. Last year, 70% of public schools reported vacancies in thisarea, with half of the teachers leaving within five years, according to PBS NewsHour.

Dr. Diana Fannon, an educator and advocate with over 23years of experience in special education, has a background as a bilingualschool psychologist and special education director. She has attended thousandsof IEP meetings and helped many families understand special education.Diagnosed with epilepsy at 17 and raising a child with autism, she knows thechallenges firsthand. Through DisabilityEdPros, Dr. Fannon provides parentswith the tools to navigate special education and advocate for their children. Sheis dedicated to ensuring every child has access to necessary education andresources.

For more information: https://www.disabilityedpros.com/

Follow: @disabilityedpros

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in2022–23, the number of students ages 3–21 who received special education and/orrelated services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)was 7.5 million, or the equivalent of 15 percent of all public school students.Among students receiving special education and/or related services, the mostcommon category of disability was specific learning disabilities (32 percent).  John Fela (Felageller) is the MinistryRelations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equipand train them to help the disabled in their communities. Previous to that, hespent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants toMiddle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacherand School Director. John lives in Lyons, IL, is married to his wife Faith, andis the father to his son Christopher (ASD). He is a public speaker, multiplepodcast guest, and regular contributor to Key Ministry’s Special Needs Familyblog, as well as other special needs blogs, including Hope Anew and The Mighty.Connect with John on his website: www.johnfela.com“I choose to do this work because I am profoundly aware of what it is like tobe a special needs parent with no support and no one to reach out to as alifeline when times get hard. I found this especially challenging as a man andfather, since there are not as many resources for dads as there are for moms,and men in these kinds of families bear an incredible burden with almost no onethey can seemingly trust or reach out to.”

For more information: https://johnfela.com/

Facebook: @John'sBlogforSpecialNeedsParents 

Instagram: @john_fela_1

LinkedIn: @John(Felageller)Fela

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many American entrepreneurs report a better work-lifebalance compared to traditional employment, although nearly half still find itdifficult to disconnect, and 82% have lost sleep due to work concerns,according to Adobe.

After coaching over 10,000 individuals over two decades,Andrew Poles has found it possible to build a successful business withoutcompromising one's personal life. He collaborates with first-time founders torealize this transformation. As a sought-after Executive Coach, Andrew workswith visionary founders on various aspects, including raising capital, buildingteams, entering the market, and achieving work-life integration while stayingcommitted to their goals.

First-time founders often encounter business demands thatexceed their experience and skills. Coaching provides the necessary supportbetween previous performance and the expectations of their companies. Andrew isexperienced in helping leaders navigate these challenges effectively. He hascoached over 10,000 leaders, collaborated with executives at organizations likeNASA, Dell, Netflix, and Epic Games, and founded three businesses.

Andrew specializes in assisting early-stage founders andsmall business owners in managing overwhelm, building high-performance teams,and leading confidently without burnout. For those growing a business andfeeling the pressure, Andrew offers guidance to lead with clarity, resilience,and impact.

LinkedIn: @AndrewPoles

Email: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to Forbes, for 80% of people, happiness continues to rise with income past $75,000. However, for a minority who are unhappy, their unhappiness decreases as they make more money — but only up to about $100,000 (approximately the same as $75,000 adjusted for inflation).

Dr. Travis Parry is the author of "Achieving Balance" and "Marry and Grow Rich".

He has earned a master's degree in psychology and a PhD in Family Relations to better understand finances from psychological and family perspectives. Travis founded the Make Time Institute and has assisted thousands of business owners and couples across all 50 states in achieving their financial objectives.

He is an international speaker and hosts the podcast "Balanced Growth Show".

His personal life includes being a husband to his wife of 22 years and father to their eight children.The Balanced Growth Method is designed to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses without negatively affecting their marriage or health. Business owners using this method are able to improve their health and relationships by saving time and money.

The Balanced Growth Method operates on several principles:

• Align your values with your time

• Increase productivity• Grow your business while working fewer hours• Achieve individual goals with your spouse

• Collaborate to reach financial milestones

For more information: https://www.maketimeinstitute.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Intrinsic motivation thrives when individuals feel a senseof authority over their roles and responsibilities. By granting employeesownership of outcomes and the authority to make decisions that affect theirwork, organizations empower them to take initiative, innovate, and take pridein their contributions.

According to the Institute for Health and ProductivityStudies at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, increasingemployees’ physical activity can lead to a healthier workforce, boostproductivity, and reduce the risk of developing expensive and debilitatingchronic diseases. Physically active employees incur lower healthcare costs,take less sick leave, and are more productive at work. Specifically, researchindicates that employees who engage in at least 75 minutes ofvigorous-intensity physical activity each week miss an average of 4.1 fewerdays of work per year. Furthermore, those who are physically inactive are morelikely to require sick leave, costing an average of 26 cents for each hourworked.

Justin Martinez is a former U.S. Army Ranger who hastransitioned into being an entrepreneur, author, and personal transformationexpert. With a diverse background in real estate, fitness, and financialmastery, he has established multiple successful ventures, including scalingAirbnbs and launching a fitness coaching business. A dedicated athlete, Justinhas completed Ironmans, ultramarathons, and the 75 Hard program several times.His book, The Compounder’s Guide to Developing the Ranger Mindset, offers ablueprint for achieving success through discipline and resilience. Justin’smission is straightforward: to assist others in breaking limits, embracingchallenges, and crafting a life characterized by purpose, freedom, andexceptional accomplishment. His philosophy is clear: “Do today what your futureself will thank you for.” By shifting focus from short-term gratification tolong-term success, individuals position themselves for a life filled withgenuine freedom and fulfillment. He joined me this week to share more aboutthis journey.

For more information: https://compoundercoach.com/

Instagram: @thecompoundercoach

Get the Book: https://compoundercoach.com/ranger-mindset  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices